Category: Time Out

Max Verstappen Passes 100 Karts in Just 14 Laps in Red Bull’s Max vs 100
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen started 101st on the grid and passed every driver ahead of him in just 35 minutes, streamed live from Disney+ and the ESPN App.

Max Verstappen in Red Bull’s Max cs 100

Max Verstappen has overtaken all 100 of his challengers in Red Bull’s Max vs 100, the largest go-kart race ever staged, completing the task on lap 14 of 30 at Silverstone tonight. Starting 101st on a grid built specifically for the event, the four-time Formula 1 world champion cleared the field in just 35 minutes, in front of a live global audience on Disney+ and the ESPN App.

Here is all you need to know:
- “When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried,” Max said. “After my first lap, with all the carnage, I did think ‘Okay, we have got this under control!’ It started to become really fun and once I started getting into a rhythm, was able to overtake them one-by-one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting.
- “It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day. It’s a really beautiful track and well designed, and it was a nice touch to be able to get all the data fed through the radio too. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win!”
- The scale of it was clear from the moment the grid formed up. Seen from above, 101 karts stretched back along the Silverstone asphalt in rows, with Max in the very last one. Ahead of him were Red Bull athletes, Red Bull players, content creators, streamers, journalists and fans selected from around the world – most of them driving the track only for the second time after Tuesday’s practice and a single qualifying lap earlier in the day
- The opening lap decided half the race. With 101 karts funneling into the first corners, Max had passed more than 10 drivers before he even reached the start/ finish line and at the hairpin the field folded in on itself, karts running into each other and facing the wrong way. “I have no idea what’s going on – it’s carnage,” he said over the radio. Two minutes in, he was 37th. 63 drivers had been eliminated without completing a lap – more than half the field – and when the number was relayed to him, the reply came back: “Not a bad first lap then!”
- Under the rules, a driver was out of the race the moment the rear of Max’s kart drew level with the front of theirs, so every pass was final and the onboard microphones caught the field coming to terms with that one by one. On Lap 7, motorsport YouTuber Paky TWC, running sixth at the time, could be heard asking Max over the radio not to overtake him. He was passed shortly afterwards.
- By then the race had settled into a chase. Pole-sitter Jacky Martens, YouTuber Zac Alsop and Red Bull Ford Powertrains technician Lewis Osler had built a lead of around 12 seconds while the chaos unfolded behind them, and Max was taking three seconds a lap out of it.
- With 54 minutes still on the clock, the Race Director handed the leading group an extra fast lap. The three of them used their shortcuts together on Lap 12, then stopped fighting for the top sport and started driving defensively. It bought them a little time. On the next lap Max arrived, cleared Alsop and Osler in one corner and then passed Martens to finish the job with 35 minutes still on the clock.
- Martens, a Dutch Formula 1 journalist, had led for most of the race. He and Osler joined Max on the podium, the champion’s own team technician standing one step below him. Very few people have ever stood on a podium alongside Max Verstappen and tonight two everyday racers joined that list. Behind Alsop in fourth, renowned off-road motorcyclist Pol Tarrés was fifth. Livestreamer RDJavi, photographer Larry Chen, mountain biker Bernard Kerr and actor Neo Yau completed the top 10.
- With onboard cameras and microphones on every kart, Max’s exchanges with his challengers went out live on Disney+, presented by BAFTA Award-winning comedian Mo Gilligan. Max’s fastest lap of the race was 2m
- 20.673s, while the next best was Martens’s 2m 23.327s, over 2.6s slower. Across the full 35 minutes, Max passed a driver every 21 seconds on average.
- The circuit, designed by Race Director and track designer David Terrien to accommodate a 100-kart field, was laid out on a temporary configuration at Silverstone for the event. Asked on his victory lap where the win ranks among his others, Max’s answer came with a grin: “I think this is the best one yet!”
- Red Bull’s Max vs 100 is available to watch again on Disney+ globally and on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the U.S., with a broadcast on ESPN2 at 19.00 ET.
QUOTES
- Max Verstappen: “When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried. After my first lap with all the carnage, I did think okay we have got this under control! It started to become really fun and once I started getting into a rhythm and was able to overtake them one by one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting. It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day. It’s a really beautiful track and well designed and it was a nice touch to be able to get all the data fed through the radio too. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win!
- “It’s something very unique and you never know how it’s gonna go, but the first time went really well. So from there on, I could really have a lot of fun trying to hunt them all down. There was a lot of effort going into it and it was nice that they all had a lot of fun as well, like preparing and participating.”
- David Terrien, track designer and race director: “Going through the traffic of such a big field, no one has done it. There’s never been a karting race with so many karts. So even Max was questioning himself just before the start, how he could go through the traffic. When you look at the replay, he picked the right spots. Every time there was a gap, he went for it. He was on the right side of the track when there was a crash going on the other side. We gave them more fast laps to allow them to compete longer and stay in the game longer. But he was just much faster.
- “I think that’s what makes the difference with Max – his starts, and his reaction time. Even if it’s a fun race, he showed his skills in all aspects. I was talking to Max’s race engineer and we were looking at the replay of the start. And he sees something we don’t see. He sees a gap that’s going to open and it’s not open yet. So I think that’s a race vision, that’s something he has that most of the drivers don’t have.”
- Jacky Martens, F1 journalist and last driver caught: “I tried to stay out of the chaos at the beginning of the race, and luckily enough, three or four of us managed to pull away. You think if we’re gonna tussle in the beginning of the race, he will catch us within a minute. So we tried to collaborate a little bit, but as soon as Max catches you guys, it’s all for one. We all fought to be there as long as possible.”
- “It was so much fun, honestly. I can’t stop smiling. It feels like living in a dream or something. It’s not something that I ever dreamed about, because it’s so surreal to race against Max, and then finishing P2 right behind him, it’s unbelievable, really. We’re both from Limburg, so I don’t know what it is in the water over there. Must be something special. As soon as there’s four wheels involved, we’re just quick with everything. It’s a Limburg thing, I guess!”
- Richard Cooke, Oracle Red Bull Racing Engineer: “Everyone fancies themselves a bit of a driver and thinks that they can maybe compete with these guys. But I think he’s shown today that professional racing drivers, they operate on a completely different level! I think he would have always expected to win it, for sure, but I don’t think we expected so much time left on the board. I think even that shocked him. The nicest thing to see is that he’s really enjoyed it today. He’s just had a smile on his face the whole time.”
- Jack Harington, Partnerships Group Lead, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and one of the 100: “Oracle have been running the simulations for how long it would take Max to overtake everybody, and in the simulations we ran we thought it would take about 40 minutes. Now as I understand it was closer to 30 minutes, so you can have all the data in the world, the best
- Technology in Oracle to predict it, but sometimes you’ve got a Max Verstappen who’s just going to beat the data. I thought maybe I’d challenge Max and show that I should have been a Formula One driver, but I didn’t even expect him to pass me where he did it was like lap four he overtook me on. Although it was earlier than I wanted, the image of Max overtaking me will live in my memory forever. It was a crazy race and to be part of it was just something I’m probably going to talk about to every single person I meet for the next 20 years.”
Media can download a wide variety of moving and still images, which is free of charge for editorial usage at redbullcontentpool.com.
September 22, 2026
Pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters Headlines Franklin Sports Asia Showcase in Manila This October

Global pickleball giant Franklin Sports has officially named the Philippines as the first stop for its highly anticipated Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase this October 2026.

The landmark multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before continuing in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

The Manila leg centers on an exclusive appearance by Franklin’s star athlete, Anna Leigh Waters (ALW), the undisputed World No. 1 player and most dominant athlete in professional pickleball. Local fans and the fast-growing Filipino pickleball community will get a rare opportunity to see ALW showcase her high-octane skills that has dominated the global tour.

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

The selection of the Philippines as a primary destination reflects the country’s emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, topping Franklin Sports’ global expansion priorities.

“We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines,” said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports. “The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.”

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

“As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport.”

As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports delivers premium equipment trusted by elite global professionals that have won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours, including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart among others.

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

During the Showcase, Filipino fans will get an up-close look at Franklin’s latest innovations. The showcase directly follows ALW’s viral September 2 Instagram post in front of her Times Square LED billboard in New York City, where she posed holding an all-black paddle featuring a bold white “?” graphic.

The mystery paddle serves as a global teaser for Franklin’s upcoming paddle launch and was the paddle Anna Leigh Waters won Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals with.

Attendees will also see in action the legendary Franklin X-40 ball, universally regarded as the global gold standard for the sport. Holding over 75% market share in North America, the X-40 serves as the Official Ball of Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, the Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and over 1,000 additional tournaments worldwide.

Franklin also revealed plans to introduce an all-new, faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW near the turn of the year called the X-44.

Filipino players can access Franklin’s full range of paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories nationwide through leading local retail partners, including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH among several others.

Full details regarding local Showcase venues, schedule of play, and fan interaction opportunities for the Manila leg will be released in the coming weeks via Franklin Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram @franklinpickleball.

September 21, 2026
Rustan’s Beauty Addict 2026 Puts Beauty in the Spotlight

For 14 years, Rustan’s Beauty Addict has brought together beauty lovers for a celebration of discovery, indulgence, and the latest in beauty. This year, the annual celebration takes on a glamorous new chapter with Rustan’s Beauty Addict 2026: Spotlight, inviting guests to step onto the red carpet and celebrate beauty under the spotlight.

Inspired by the allure of Hollywood’s most glamorous awards nights and the sophisticated drama of the Met Gala, the celebration transforms Rustan’s into an immersive world of luxury and elegance. Rich velvet textures, illuminated marquee arches, editorial styling, and luxurious lighting set the scene, complemented by touches of jazz-club charm, champagne celebrations, and modern speakeasy elegance.

Where Beauty Takes Center Stage

The experience begins at the red carpet staircase, where guests will be welcomed into the celebration before stepping into a photo installation designed to put them in the spotlight. The immersive photo moment invites guests to capture their own red-carpet moment and become part of the campaign, surrounded by the glamour and drama of the occasion.

Beyond the main celebration, the Beauty Pop Up brings the Spotlight experience to selected Rustan’s stores through a compact yet immersive installation inspired by a glamorous Hollywood beauty campaign. The four-sided setup combines interactive moments and promotional touchpoints, from a mirror photo experience and campaign visuals to exclusive offers and the featured Beauty Addict giveaway.

To complete the cinematic atmosphere, guests can raise a glass with Golden Pour, a collaboration with Philippine Wine Merchants featuring signature cocktails inspired by the glamour of the occasion.

Joining the celebration are Camille Co, Angelique Manto, and Claudia Barretto, whose individual expressions of beauty and style embody the modern glamour at the heart of Spotlight. With each bringing her own signature sensibility to the occasion, the trio adds another layer of elegance to a celebration designed around beauty, confidence, and self-expression.

A Day of Beauty, Glamour, and Surprises

On September 11, the Spotlight comes to life with an exclusive lineup of beauty experiences, special treats, and rewards. Guests can explore the Fragrance Library, unwind at the Spotlight Lounge, and enjoy live entertainment by DJ Cian, followed by a special performance from singer Maffy Soler Da Roza and her jazz band.

Guests can also discover exciting beauty experiences and take home special surprises throughout the celebration. At La Prairie’s Flower Cart, guests can register to receive a customized flower bouquet, with an additional opportunity to share their Skin Caviar collection moment on Instagram and Facebook in exchange for an Art of Beauty voucher and a small token. The Murad Collection Match Challenge puts guests’ knowledge to the test as they choose a collection and match four keywords within one minute to win a special prize. Meanwhile, Acca Kappa’s Spin the Wheel adds a playful element to the celebration, with guests taking a spin for a chance to win a special prize.

For another special beauty moment, Beauty Addict members can receive the A-List Giveaway, an exclusive set of two Beauty Addict powder puffs with a minimum purchase of ₱2,500 at Rustan’s Beauty Source, while supplies last.

Beauty Addict members have even more reasons to indulge on event day. Members who spend a minimum of ₱20,000 at Rustan’s Beauty Source can receive ₱1,200 off, applicable in-stores, through your Personal Shopper, or online at Rustans.com using the promo code BEAUTY1200. Shoppers can also enjoy ₱200 off with a minimum purchase of ₱3,500 at Rustan’s Beauty Source from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in-store.

The perks continue with a x10 Beauty Addict Points multiplier on every ₱1,000 worth of purchase at Rustan’s Beauty Source. Shoppers can also enjoy complimentary Beauty Addict membership with any purchase, while new members who download Rustan’sFSP Mobile App and existing members who update their email and mobile number can receive an additional +100 Beauty Addict points.

The Spotlight Continues

Keep the celebration going with continuous savings throughout Beauty Month, beginning September 12, with Winner’s Circle Rewards.

Beauty Addict members can look forward to even more exciting perks this September. With a minimum purchase of ₱5,000, members can try their luck with the Golden Envelope, each containing a special surprise—from an exclusive partner-brand voucher to a coveted beauty product from Rustan’s Beauty Source. Members can also enjoy ₱500 off with a minimum purchase of ₱10,000, available both in-store and online. For online beauty purchases, simply use promo code “BEAUTY500” at rustans.com to enjoy the discount.

For those looking to discover more beauty favorites, selected beauty products and services will be available at up to 50% off, whether shopping at Rustan’s Beauty Source or online at rustans.com. These offers are available until September 13

And to make online beauty shopping even more convenient, shoppers can enjoy complimentary shipping every weekend in September, starting September 12, on all online beauty purchases. Available in Metro Manila only.

The rewards continue from September 12 to September 30, with Beauty Addict members earning x5 Beauty Addict points when they purchase at least ₱1,000 worth of products and services at Rustan’s Beauty Source.

For Beauty Addict members looking to elevate their beauty haul, the “Beauty Addict: Starlet’s Secret” GWP promo offers one complimentary MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick with a customized lipstick case for a minimum purchase of ₱25,000 at Rustan’s Beauty Source. Members can choose from four best-selling shades: Velvet Teddy, Taupe, Mehr, and Chili. Valid from September 1 to October 31 only. Until supplies last.

And for those dreaming of taking the Hollywood experience even further, Beauty Addict 2026 offers a getaway worthy of the spotlight.

From September 4 to November 30, Beauty Addict: LA Lights Raffle promo gives Beauty Addict members one e-raffle entry for every ₱5,000 spent at Rustan’s Beauty Source, for a chance to win a four-day, three-night getaway for two in Los Angeles, California, USA, complete with a stay at a five-star luxury hotel and roundtrip business class flights.

From the red carpet to the beauty counter, Rustan’s Beauty Addict 2026: Spotlight brings together the glamour, discovery, and indulgence that make beauty worth celebrating. This September, step into the spotlight and make your beauty moment one to remember.

September 19, 2026
Familiar and Fresh: How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

Some favourites never go out of style—and they continue to delight in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a constant companion in Filipino households through quality and well-loved brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. Staying true to its purpose of delighting everyone with good food choices, URC constantly evolves alongside the tastes and lifestyles of consumers.

Today, the company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing fresh flavours, new formats, and exciting product experiences that prove innovation can come from the brands Filipinos already know and love.

Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone:

The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours

As a staple in daily snacking moments of Pinoys, Piattos is widely loved for its signature hexagon shape, satisfying crunch, and classic flavors such as Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Roadhouse Barbeque, Nacho Pizza, Roast Beef and Spicy Cheese. To excite today’s adventurous palates and satisfy evolving snack cravings, the brand continues to introduce more flavor options—from limited-edition creations like Beef Bulgogi and Truffle Cream, to exciting flavor combinations like its latest Cheddar & Sour Cream variant.

Alongside Piattos, other Jack ‘n Jill favorites—including Nova, Mang Juan, and VCut—as well as classics like Chippy and Chiz Curls, continue to roll out exciting new flavor profiles, giving Filipinos even more reasons to look forward to snack time.

From sandwich cookie to full chocolate experience

Cream-O has long been the go-to treat for chocolate lovers, but URC has reimagined the brand to go way beyond the traditional cookie format. To satisfy modern cravings for premium and indulgent textures, the brand has expanded into an entire ecosystem, featuring Cream-O Cake Bar, Cream-O Cakewich, and Cream-O Premium. Its newest is the Cream-O Dark Choco, an indulgent cookie sandwich that offers a rich and bold chocolate experience.

The spirit of variety extends across URC’s biscuit favourites with Dewberry, Presto, and Magic Crackers, continuously adapting their formats to fit every kind of modern snack craving.

Reimagining the chocolate enjoyment with a new crunch

Known for its signature combination of nougat, caramel and peanuts, URC’s Cloud 9 chocolate has been a go-to treat for several chocolate lovers. The brand has been introducing new ways to satisfy sweet cravings by offering products like the new Cloud 9 Crunchies that bring a fun and crispy texture to a familiar favourite.

Alongside Cloud 9, other fun treats like Nips chocolate introduce vibrant flavors and formats, proving that chocolate moments can make any day a little sweeter.

Fruity freshness, now with a chewy twist

Maxx has always been a pocket essential for on-the-go freshness. Recognizing a growing consumer preference for playful, chewy textures, URC expanded its candy lineup with Maxx Chews. This chewy menthol candy comes in a convenient, value-packed three-piece stick that is tailor-made for the fast-paced routines of modern commuters and professionals.

Together with URC’s other candy favourites like XO, Dynamite and Lush, Maxx offers something for every candy craving and every moment that calls for a refreshing treat.

Offering refreshing tea favorites, and flavor innovations

As the pioneer of ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines, C2 Cool and Clean introduced a refreshing tea experience to Filipinos. Alongside its Classic Green Tea, Apple, and Lemon variants, C2 continues to evolve its product lineup, introducing flavor innovations such as Raspberry, Dalandan and Peach. Its latest flavor, C2 Freeze Melon, brings an innovative twist on fruity tea with a delicious melon flavor and a refreshing coolness that lingers in every sip.

Brewing modern coffee moments, one cup at a time

As one of the country’s most chosen beverage brands (based on Kantar’s Brand Footprint report), URC’s Great Taste has a history of delivering innovative products – most notably by introducing White Coffee in the Philippines.

URC continues to elevate Pinoy’s daily coffee ritual with the new Great Taste Premium roast, a coffee mix that’s designed to give everyone a delicious afternoon coffee break companion with its Tapang-Sarap blend of dark-roasted robusta coffee, palm sugar and real milk – para Balik Lakas Sigla.

Bigger, bolder flavours for instant happiness

Payless continues to redefine value-for-money meals by giving consumers MORE at a sulit price, through its delicious range of instant noodle variants and bold innovations.

Its newest Payless Chili Garlic Mami offers a flavorful twist on a Filipino comfort food favorite. Made with rich chili oil and real garlic bits, this crave-worthy meal delivers a balanced blend of Anghang-Linamnam that elevates your everyday noodle cravings. Experience the kakaibang Anghang-Sarap na Tumatatak goodness of Payless Chili Garlic, available in Beef and Chicken flavors.

Moving into modern pet care

Beyond making everyday snacking moments more enjoyable for Filipinos, URC also supports joyful moments shared by pet parents and their fur babies. Through its award-winning pet care brand, TopBreed, URC has been supporting fur parents’ journey by offering quality pet care products including dog and cat food, and other pet essentials. This 2026, TopBreed brand started expanding its portfolio from dry dog and cat food to other formats like wet and treats, also TopCare cat litter.

Always something new to discover

For 70 years, URC has grown alongside generations of Filipinos—evolving with changing tastes, lifestyles, and everyday moments. As a lifestyle companion, URC stays true to what it has always stood for: bringing quality, flavor and everyday delight to Filipino homes.

September 16, 2026
RNDMD (Randoomed) Marked Its First Makati Studio Opening with “Hey Neighbor!”

Makati just got a whole lot more creative. Multidisciplinary design studio RNDMD officially marked a massive milestone on September 11, 2026, opening the doors to its very first physical studio space with a warm, intimate housewarming dubbed “Hey Neighbor! RNDMD Makati Open Studio.”

Since launching in 2022, the creative agency has been quietly making waves behind the scenes. Now, they finally have a permanent brick-and-mortar home inside one of Ayala Avenue’s most iconic architectural landmarks: the PNB Makati Center.

The gathering was also an opportunity to thank the clients RNDMD has come to regard as creative partners – including Philippine Airlines, LIVE PH, and others. Their trust, openness, and collaboration have helped the young studio learn, grow, and take on increasingly meaningful work. Rather than a showcase of names, their presence in RNDMD’s story served as a reminder that every milestone has been built through relationships.

Beyond being a workplace, the studio gave RNDMD a visible home for its multidisciplinary practice. A place where its team could build a stronger sense of belonging, clients could participate more closely in the creative process, and new relationships with agencies and brands could begin.

RNDMD did not just pick any random office floor for their new headquarters. Setting up shop inside PNB Makati Center, a legendary Brutalist structure designed by renowned Filipino architect Carlos D. Arguelles back, the Brutalist landmark has remained a distinct presence along Ayala Avenue since 1980. Its curved facade introduced movement into the district’s ordered skyline, while its continuing adaptive reuse demonstrated how an established structure could evolve without losing its identity.

That balance between permanence and change, restraint and movement reflected RNDMD’s belief that design can move culture.

Designed in-house, the RNDMD office drew from the building’s existing material language and finishes, translating them into a warmer and more contemporary creative environment. The approach allowed the studio to establish its own identity while becoming part of PNB Makati Center’s evolving story.

“Opening our first studio in Makati was a proud moment for us, but the event was really about the people who brought RNDMD here. The office gives our work a home, but its purpose is larger: to build a studio capable of contributing to a world where design moves culture.” said Floyd Esguerra, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of RNDMD. “Seeing our team, families, clients, collaborators, and friends in one space made the milestone real.” said Jerome Rosario, Co-Founder and Creative Director for Multimedia.

The evening’s neighborly spirit was shared by its official event partners. Pizzetta, the event’s Official Food Partner, brought the communal experience of food made for sharing together with its roots in Poblacion, Makati. CHAGEE, the Official Beverage Partner, complemented the gathering through its contemporary expression of tea culture and its belief in bringing people together over tea.

“Hey Neighbor!” marked a new chapter for RNDMD, one approached with pride in its progress, gratitude for its community, and humility about the work still ahead.

About RNDMD Inc.

Founded in 2022 by Floyd Esguerra and Jerome Rosario, RNDMD Inc. is a Filipino multidisciplinary creative studio working across brand strategy, design, campaigns, motion, video, content, product, and digital experiences. Guided by human-centered thinking and innovation through diversity, RNDMD creates purposeful work toward a world where design moves culture.

September 16, 2026
Tag-Ulan Na, Pero Kamusta ang Tiyan: Why Rainy Days Change Your Body’s Signals

There’s something undeniably comforting about the rainy season.

A warm bowl of lugaw, a steaming cup of coffee, crispy merienda, and the perfect excuse to stay indoors—it’s weather that invites us to slow down and indulge. But while we’re embracing these little comforts, our gut may be facing a different reality. Heavy rains, flooding, and increased humidity can raise the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that make digestive illnesses more common.

“Studies have linked periods of heavy rainfall and flooding with increased cases of diarrheal diseases and foodborne infections, making gut health an often-overlooked part of staying well during the season,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead.

The Philippine National Nutrition Council likewise reminds Filipinos that rainy months are associated with a higher risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever, underscoring the importance of food safety and proper hygiene during this time.

The rainy season doesn’t just increase environmental health risks—it also influences our eating habits. Comfort foods, fried snacks, irregular meals, and street food indulgences can put added stress on the digestive system, especially when food safety risks are heightened. Since a large portion of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria is essential for supporting overall immunity.

When this balance is disrupted by poor diet or exposure to contaminated food and water, the risk of digestive issues increases, making gut health an important priority throughout the rainy season.

Listen to Your Gut: Your Body Often Gives Warning Signs

Your gut is often one of the first parts of your body to tell you when something isn’t right. Research from the US National Institutes of Health cites frequent stomach discomfort, loose stools, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and mild abdominal cramps as common symptoms that may indicate an underlying digestive issue or an imbalance in the gut that should not be ignored.

“Our bodies often give us early warning signs when something isn’t right, and it’s important not to ignore them—especially during the rainy season,” Mateo added. “Persistent stomach discomfort, bloating, loose stools, or changes in bowel habits may signal that your gut needs attention. Addressing these symptoms early through proper hydration, good food hygiene, and appropriate care can help prevent more serious digestive issues.”

Give Your Gut an Umbrella: Why Probiotics Matter This Rainy Season

Beyond practicing good hygiene, drinking safe water, and eating well, you can give your gut an extra layer of support during the rainy season through probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help restore and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut, supporting healthy digestion and the body’s natural defenses—especially when that balance is disrupted by changes in diet, illness, or exposure to contaminated food and water.

Probiotics such as Erceflora Probiotics contain billions of INTELLI-SPORES® and are for all ages above 6 months old. It aids in the enhancement of natural resistance to intestinal infections, the enhancement of intestinal ecology, the improvement of digestion, and the improvement of lactose malabsorption with proper diet and exercise—making it a helpful addition to everyday gut care, especially during the rainy season.

Rainy days are meant to be enjoyed—from sharing comforting meals with loved ones to embracing the slower pace of the season. By listening to your body’s signals, practicing good hygiene, making mindful food choices, and giving your gut the support it needs, you can better protect your digestive health and make the most of everything the tag-ulan has to offer.

“Rainy weather shouldn’t keep Filipinos from enjoying the season—it should simply remind us to be more intentional about caring for our health,” Mateo concluded. “Small, proactive habits, from choosing safe food and water to supporting gut health with probiotics like Erceflora, can go a long way in helping keep our digestive system resilient. After all, a healthy gut is the foundation for enjoying life’s everyday moments, rain or shine.”

September 9, 2026
Wattpad Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Manila International Book Fair 2026
Wattpad, the global webnovel platform and storytelling community, today announced its official return to the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) at the SMX Convention Center from September 9–13, 2026, to celebrate the platform’s 20th anniversary.

As one of Wattpad’s largest global markets, the Philippines remains central to the platform’s ecosystem. To commemorate two decades of digital storytelling, Wattpad is bringing together a powerhouse lineup of Filipino writers whose stories have built multi-million-reader fandoms, topped best-seller lists, and been adapted into hit television and film projects.

Throughout the five-day event, fans can visit the interactive Wattpad Booth to complete a “Reader Passport” challenge and collect exclusive anniversary merchandise. In-booth signings and meet-and-greets will take place throughout the book fair with popular Wattpad authors including Knightinblack (Hell University, 183M+ reads), beeyotch (Seducing Drake Palma, 85M+ reads), and CeCeLib (Possessive series, 80M+ reads).

Wattpad and The Hershey Company have partnered over the years to champion authentic Filipino storytelling among readers and top writers. At MIBF 2026, the two brands will host an exclusive in-booth activation featuring top creators eatmore2behappy (Ang Mutya Ng Section E, 171M+ reads) and 4reuminct (The Rain in España, 161M+ reads). Fans attending their meet-and-greet on September 12 can sample Hershey’s chocolates, play an interactive game, and get signed copies of special branded story editions.

Additionally, Wattpad will host a panel discussion on September 11 titled “Just One More Chapter,” featuring superstar writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys on the main stage.

Wattpad at MIBF 2026 Schedule

Wattpad Booth & Reader Activations

Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
When: Wednesday, September 9 – Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM PHST daily

MIBF 2026 Panel Event

When: Friday, September 11 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM PHST
Where: SMX Convention Center, ground floor stage area
Details: A deep-dive conversation with some of Wattpad’s biggest Filipino writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys.

Author Signings + Meet-And-Greets

Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
When:

Friday, September 11
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PHST: pilosopotasya, House_of_Sol, arrowheads
- 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM PHST: barbsgalicia, MsKindGirl, Maria_Carcat, cinnderella
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PHST: CeCeLib, RaceDarwin, Makiwander, CengCrdva
Saturday, September 12
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PHST: eatmore2behappy, Knightinblack, justcallmecai, nininininaaa
- 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM PHST: 4reuminct, Girlinlove, SGWannaB, beeyotch
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PHST: CeCeLib, Heartlessnostalgia, AkoSiIbarra, missgrainne
Sunday, September 13
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PHST: VentreCanard, sielalstreim, JFstories
- 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM PHST: CeCeLib, HiroYuu101, Irshwndy
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PHST: Alluringli, sulatniserene, starjeizing
For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout MIBF 2026, follow along @WattpadFilipino.

About Wattpad

Wattpad’s vision is to entertain and connect the world through stories. A leading global webnovel platform, Wattpad has democratized storytelling for a new generation of diverse Gen Z writers and their fans.

Wattpad is part of WEBTOON Entertainment’s IP & Creator Ecosystem, where approximately 155 million monthly active users discover incredible stories in multiple formats.
September 4, 2026
GX Sports in Motion Bring Hyrox-Inspired Challenge to Robinsons Galleria

Robinsons Sports and Leisure (RSL), the entertainment, sports, and wellness arm of Robinsons Land, is bringing fitness enthusiasts together through GX Sports In Motion, a hybrid fitness challenge that offers a fresh take on HYROX, the standardized indoor fitness race that is rapidly gaining popularity among the Philippines’ growing fitness and wellness communities.

Set to take place on September 5 and 6 at the Robinsons Galleria Activity Area, the event is expected to attract athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness advocates eager to experience the excitement and challenge of a HYROX-inspired competition.

“The primary reason we mounted GX Sports In Motion is to provide a venue where performance meets play, fitness meets community, and sport becomes part of everyday life,” shared Ramon Rivero, Head of Robinsons Sports and Leisure.

As one expression of the broader GX Sports platform, GX Sports In Motion reflects the brand’s commitment to creating more opportunities for people to move, play, and connect through sport.

The event will feature three activity zones and six challenge stations, allowing participants to simulate key elements of a HYROX race. These stations include Row, Ski, Weighted Squats, Weighted Lunges, Alternating Dumbbell Snatch, and Burpees Over the Line, offering a well-rounded test of endurance, strength, and functional fitness.

All registered participants will receive a Race Kit, exclusive GX Sports merchandise, and special participant perks they can enjoy once GX Sports opens its doors.

Registration for GX Sports In Motion is open until September 1. Participants may register at [https://gxsports.helixpay.ph/]. For event updates and more from GX Sports, follow GX Sports and Robinsons Sports and Leisure on Facebook and Instagram.

August 27, 2026
Film Concerts PH Presents Undertale: The Determination Symphony

As UNDERTALE celebrates its 10th anniversary, Film Concerts PH, in partnership with SOHO Live, brings the game’s first-ever international concert tour to the Philippines with UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony. The official concert experience arrives at the Proscenium Theater, Makati City, on October 17, 2026.

UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony features unforgettable, fan-favorite music from the game, performed live by the 25-piece Filharmonika Orchestra conducted by Thanapol Setabrahmana. The concert pairs newly arranged orchestral music with gameplay footage displayed on a big screen, allowing fans to relive the game’s memorable characters, battles, and emotional moments.

Developed by Lambert Jackson with Materia Music, the concert features sweeping new arrangements by Adam Hoskins, created for the game’s 10th anniversary and expanded with additional scoring for the world tour.

One of the most influential independent games of its generation, UNDERTALE is praised for its storytelling, memorable characters, humor, and player-driven choices. Since its first release in 2015, it has sold millions of copies across multiple platforms and continues to inspire a passionate global community of fans.

Toby Fox, creator and composer of UNDERTALE, shared his excitement: “UNDERTALE is a game with a lot of music. It’s good when skilled professionals play the music, and people listen to it.”

Fans are encouraged to attend in their best cosplay as part of this global celebration, sharing the experience with fellow fans as they relive their favorite moments together.

Pre-sale access begins on August 4 at 10:00 AM, exclusively for members of the Film Concerts PH community. To gain early access to tickets and exclusive offers, register now at https://www.filmconcerts.ph/community.

Public ticket sales will start on August 11 at 12:00 PM via Ticketmelon: https://www.ticketmelon.com/.

Stay determined and experience UNDERTALE: The Determination Symphony live in Manila this October.

August 21, 2026
Paw Fest 2026 Returns for Its Biggest Pet Weekend Yet

Paw Fest returns to Robinsons Magnolia on August 22 and 23 for its fifth year, transforming the Upper Ground Floor Atrium into Pawchella Festival—a two-day shopping and community event for people who take their pets seriously.

At the center of it all are 36 participating brands, making Paw Fest a weekend shopping haven for premium pet products worth discovering.

Independent local businesses will share the floor with established pet-care and lifestyle names. Most participating sponsors will offer free product sampling, while others will bring new product launches, special releases, and exclusive event discounts to Paw Fest.

And when you need a break from shopping, there is plenty happening around the festival.

On Sunday, August 23, The Furr Project Animal Hospital will conduct a free deworming drive for 150 pets. Dr. Reign Zander Castro, Medical Director of The Furr Project, will also lead a session on the fundamentals of responsible pet care.

Dr. Saza Curaming, Pet Nutrition Adviser of ADM Philippines, will also share practical insights on gut health and understanding pet food labels.

The Pet Blessing returns as one of Paw Fest’s traditions and remains free and open to walk-ins.

The weekend program is also built around participation and community, with audience games, live competitions, brand activities, complimentary Puppuccinos while supplies last, and a free photobooth for all to enjoy. Come early, too: the first 50 qualified guests each day can receive an Early Bird Loot Bag.

That mix of shopping and shared experiences is a big part of why Paw Fest has lasted five years. It gives pet owners a reason to stay beyond the marketplace and spend the day with a community that cares just as much about their animals.

Paw Fest Got Talent returns with live performances featuring pets and their humans, while Pawscars 2026 brings pet-centered storytelling to the screen through its short film competition.

And despite how much the event has grown, one thing has remained constant: Paw Fest remains free to attend, as it has been from the start. Walk-ins are welcome, so visitors can simply show up with their pets and explore.

Paw Fest is spearheaded by Kott’s Pet Galleria, with Robinsons Magnolia serving as its home venue partner.

This year’s partners and sponsors include Ganador, Equilibrio, Minino, Pet Depot, Stanley 1913 Philippines, Nestlé Purina, Moochie, Dentalight, Jerky Time, The Furr Project Animal Hospital, Inaba Ciao, and Pet Lovers Centre.

Five years in, Paw Fest has become the kind of weekend where you might come looking for one thing and leave with a new favorite brand—and probably more shopping bags than planned.

If you believe your pets deserve the good stuff, August 22 and 23 are worth saving.

August 19, 2026